Both applications, which include an internal spine road, were decided on by Taunton Deane District Council's planning committee. The two applications were passed by seven votes to six meaning it was a close call.

You can find out more about the applications below.

What are the plans?

The plans which were decided on last night (October 24) are for outline permission (with all matters reserved except for access) for a ‘residential-led, mixed use urban extension to include up to 713 dwellings, one hectare of employment land comprising use classes B1(a) - offices (up to a maximum of 2500sqm), B1(b), B1(c), B2 – general industrial, B8 – storage or distribution businesses together with green infrastructure, landscaping, play areas, sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) and associated works.

An internal spine road is proposed to connect the A358 Staplegrove Road and Taunton Road at land at Staplegrove (West), Taunton.

This application is known as the Staplegrove (West) proposal because it sits alongside the concurrent application for Staplegrove (East) – see further down for a summary of that application.

What about the other 915 homes?

PM Asset Management intends to put up 915 homes north of Corkscrew Lane, along with a primary school, employment land, local centre and open space.

What are the plans?

Outline permission (with all matters reserved except for access) for the construction of up to 915 residential units, a primary school, one hectare of employment land, local centre, open space including allotments and sports pitches, green infrastructure, landscaping, woodland planting, sustainable drainage systems and associated works; including provision of an internal spine road to connect A358 Staplegrove Road to Kingston Road on land at Staplegrove (East).

Why is the plan being proposed?

The proposals for Staplegrove West aimed to provide a sustainable new community comprising of housing as well as employment land, new public spaces and facilities for the community within a landscape-led environment. As such, the proposal includes new areas of public open space, parks, cycle and pedestrian routes, children’s play areas and a multi-use sports pitch. The development would be bordered by woodland buffer planting and retained hedgerows to integrate the development into the surrounding landscape as well as providing a range of ecological features to support local species.